Donations Accepted at Participating Mission Fed Branches and Online
SAN DIEGO – Sept. 1, 2026 – For the estimated one in six San Diego County children experiencing food insecurity, access to nutritious food shouldn’t end when the school week does. During Hunger Awareness Month in September, Mission Fed Credit Union and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank are partnering to drive monetary donations for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, which provides weekend food packages to elementary students in need.
Now in its 20th year, the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program serves 4,000 students weekly, reaching 99 elementary schools in 19 districts across the region. Made possible entirely through donor support – with monetary donations being accepted at all Mission Fed branches, online and by phone – the program addresses a critical need among children who may have reliable access to meals during the school week through school-based nutrition programs, but face food insecurity on weekends.
“Hunger exists in every zip code across the county, and children are among those who can be especially vulnerable when school meals are unavailable,” said Casey Castillo, chief executive officer of Jacob & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “Community support is essential to ensuring local children have access to nutritious food when they need it most.”
Every contribution can make a direct difference. A donation of $8 provides food for one child for one weekend, while $32 provides food for one month and $300 supports one child for an entire school year.
“As families navigate the financial pressures that come with back-to-school season, access to food should not be another burden,” said Doug Wright, president and chief executive officer of Mission Fed. “Partnering with the San Diego Food Bank reflects our belief that we can make a bigger impact together than we ever could alone. With the additional power and generosity of our membership, we’re able to address childhood hunger, support local students and help make San Diego a better place to live, work and play.”
Throughout September, Mission Fed is encouraging San Diegans to support the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program by donating at any Mission Fed branch, online or by phone.
To donate and learn more, visit sandiegofoodbank.org/missionfed.
###
About Mission Fed Credit Union
Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. Mission Fed enhances the lives of its members through financial education and services, with a focus on financial empowerment and fostering economic inclusion. Banking at Mission Fed means doing good for San Diego. Mission Fed gives money back to our local communities, has helped hundreds of nonprofits and vital causes, and cultivates enduring relationships with community partners.
Mission Fed has served the financial needs of San Diegans for 65 years through checking, savings, loans, credit cards, investment and insurance services, and other financial offerings. Mission Fed has more than $7 billion in assets, over 330,000 members, 34 convenient local branches, 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide and free mobile and online banking services. The credit union is regularly named a Top Workplaces USA winner and has placed in the top five California credit unions on Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions list. Mission Fed is also the first San Diego-based credit union that received the “Juntos Avanzamos” designation, honoring its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic consumers. Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender. Must meet membership and account criteria. Loans subject to approval. To learn more, visit MissionFed.com.
About the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank & North County Food Bank Chapter
Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Serving as the countywide food safety net, the Food Bank provides nutritious food to people in need, advocates on behalf of the hungry, and educates the public about hunger-related issues. Through a network of direct service programs and more than 450 nonprofit partners, the Food Bank serves an average of 400,000 people every month. In fiscal year 2025, the organization distributed over 52 million pounds of food — equivalent to more than 43.3 million meals. Learn more at sandiegofoodbank.org and follow us @sdfoodbank.
